USA’s Best National Parks | Celebrating 100 years of National Parks!
by Nabewise
The USA is the ultimate road trip destination! With wide open highways, palm-lined coastal roads, and stunning National Parks. On August 25, 2016, USA National Parks will celebrate its 100th Birthday. So here are some of the best National Parks the USA offers. Hit the road and explore!
Table of Contents
1. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
This one's always a winner! Yosemite is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls, lush meadows, deep valleys, giant sequoias, and black bears. Last year Yosemite made headlines worldwide when rock climbers completed the first free ascent of El Capitan's Dawn Wall (the most challenging rock climb in the world!). Are you up to the challenge?
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Every year, millions of people experience its majestic waterfalls, towering sequoias, and stunning landscapes. But there's more to Yosemite than meets the eye. Here are some little-known facts about this iconic American park.
Did you know that Yosemite is home to more than 400 species? These include black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, and coyotes. The park also has a variety of birds, including eagles, owls, and peregrine falcons.
Did you know that Yosemite was the first state park in California? It was established in 1864, making it one of the oldest parks in the country.
Did you know that Yosemite Valley is only a tiny part of the park? It covers just 761 acres out of the park's total area of 1,169 square miles. This means that there's plenty to explore beyond Yosemite Valley!
So next time you visit Yosemite National Park, keep your eyes peeled for some of these fascinating facts.
2. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
You'll feel like you've stepped straight into a Western movie. The most popular way to take in the Grand Canyon's magnitude is to view it by helicopter (definitely cool but not the only way!). The mighty Colorado River, renowned for some of the most heart-pumping white water rafting, is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (5,200 feet deep. Woah.). ‘Western River Expeditions will take any thrill-seeking adventurer without the paddle experience necessary. All you have to do is look up and take it all in!
Grand Canyon National Park is one of America's most iconic and popular tourist destinations. Every year, millions of people experience the majestic views and unique geology of the Grand Canyon. However, there is more to the Grand Canyon than meets the eye. Beneath the surface, there is a vast and complex network of caves, tunnels, and chambers.
This hidden world is home to various strange and beautiful creatures, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. So next time you visit the Grand Canyon, take some time to explore the hidden world beneath its surface, and you might just be surprised by what you find.
There's no point in sugarcoating it: the Grand Canyon is one of the gorgeous places on Earth. With its soaring red cliffs, majestic river, and otherworldly landscape, it's no wonder this national park draws millions of visitors yearly. Of course, the Grand Canyon is more than just a pretty face; it also has a rich history and unique geology.
First protected as a national monument in 1908, the park covers over 1.2 million acres of land. And while its size is impressive, it's the depth of the canyon that is truly staggering. Measuring over a mile deep in places, the Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold. So whether you're looking for adventure or want to take in one of the world's most stunning views, a trip to the Grand Canyon will leave you amazed.
3. DENALI NATIONAL PARK
More than 6 million acres of pure wilderness. It includes the tallest mountain on the continent, Mount McKinley. This park is ideal for nature lovers and intrepid explorers. Seriously, the scenery is out of this world! Pack your camera, as you could potentially spot a grizzly bear or pack of wolves. Just think of Instagram. Check Denali National Park out for yourself!
Denali National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. Thousands of people flock to the park every year to catch a glimpse of its majestic mountain peaks and stunning wildlife. However, there's more to Denali than meets the eye. Here are some things you might not know about this fantastic place.
Did you know that Denali is home to more than just Mount McKinley? The park comprises six million acres of mountains, valleys, forests, and tundra. That's larger than the state of New Hampshire!
Did you know that Denali is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife? The park is home to grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and many other animals. Denali is one of the best places in the world to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
The park covers an area of over six million acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. Visitors to the park can experience a true wilderness adventure, and they often have the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Whether hiking through the tundra or climbing to the top of Mount McKinley, Denali National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.
4. CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
This National Park is a World UNESCO Heritage Site encompassing the sacred ancestral homelands of the Hopi and Pueblo people. More than 4,000 prehistoric archaeological sites exist to explore (one for the history buffs). Chaco Culture National Park is the best place for star gazing; the sky is apparent – so pack your telescope!
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park hosting the remains of an important pre-Columbian cultural and trade center of the ancient Pueblo people. The park is located in northwestern New Mexico, between Albuquerque and Farmington, in a remote canyon cut by the Chaco Wash. Chaco Culture National Historical Park was established as a national monument on March 11, 1907, and designated a World Heritage Site on December 9, 1987. The nearest town is Nageezi, New Mexico, about 35 miles (56 km) northeast of the park. There is no direct access to the site from Nageezi as the road's last 14 miles (23 km) are unpaved. The park's headquarters is about 90 miles (140 km) away in Cuba, New Mexico.
The Chaco Culture National Historical Park visitor center has exhibits and information about the Chacoans and their way of life. The park offers ranger-led tours of the ruins, as well as hiking and camping opportunities. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Chacoan people.
5. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
The Rockies! Another must-see on any US Road trip. They stretch 3,000 miles from the northernmost point in British Colombia down to New Mexico. You have to drive up the Trail Ridge Road (at Colorado Park), which peaks at 12,183 feet, taking in the spectacular views of wildflower meadows, moraines, and glaciers. The air is thin up there, so you might feel lightheaded!
The Rocky Mountains. Maybe it's their sheer size or how they loom over everything else in the landscape. Or perhaps it's because they're home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Whatever the reason, the Rocky Mountains have a way of drawing people in and making them feel at home.
And there's no better place to experience the Rockies than Rocky Mountain National Park. Spread across more than 400 square miles, the park is home to towering peaks, rushing rivers, peaceful meadows, and endless forests. It's also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
So whether you're looking for an adventure or just a place to relax and take in the scenery, Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to please. See why this special place has been drawing people in for centuries.
6. MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK
To be precise, the home of the most comprehensive cave system on EARTH… over 400 miles of passageways. It's also home to thousands of small, flying mammals: BATS! For the braver (and more flexible) ones out there, take a 6-hour “Wild Cave Tour.”
Located in central Kentucky,
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest-known cave system. With over 400 miles of explored caverns and passageways, the cave system is a popular destination for adventure seekers worldwide. The caves are also home to various unique plants and animals, including several species of bats. In addition to its natural wonders, the park also features several historic sites, including the remains of 19th-century ironworks. Visitors can explore the park's many trails on foot or horseback, and there are also opportunities for canoeing and camping. Whether you're looking for a thrill or simply hoping to enjoy some of nature's beauty, Mammoth Cave National Park is sure to have something for you.
As the name suggests, the park is home to Mammoth Cave – the most comprehensive cave system in the world. With over 400 miles of explored passageways, it's easy to get lost in this underground labyrinth. But don't worry; plenty of tour guides are on hand to help you find your way. And if caves aren't your thing, the park also offers hiking, camping, and many other outdoor activities.